Q & A > Question Details
Our fcc unit works good up to now. In routine checks we find out that the torch oil nozzles are plugged
I would like to ask what can be done (the steam atomizing is ok):
Can we try to inject oil through the atomizing steam side without steam, in case we need it?
Can we try to unplug them using water pressure 50-100bars?

Let me explain further. As you know, the torch oil gun has 2 pipelines (externally for steam and internally for oil). In current operation, the steam flows through the torch oil nozzle (external pipeline) and finally routes to the Regenerator. However, we observe that the oil stream cannot flow, due to plugging of the internal pipeline of the torch oil gun. We want to unplug the oil pipeline, via let’s say water or other oil quality (e.g. light cycle oil). Are they convenient? Other ideas?
 
Answers
19/07/2017 A: John Smith, Flint Hills Resources, john.smith@fhr.com
Did you find a resolution to your plugged torch oil nozzle issue? I am facing a similar scenario and looking for a safe way to unplug the nozzle while the unit is online.
05/08/2013 A: Prabhat Choudhary , IOCL, prabhatchoudhary26@gmail.com
Dont put steam in nozzles after its operation.As soon as start up is over and no more torch oil is required then flush nozzles with steam thoroughly and stop it.start flushing with plant air and keep watching of pressur gauge installed in it to monitor of chokage due to catalyst back flow.I have experienced so many times torch oil nozzles choked in start up.This flushing will ensure no catalyst back up.
10/06/2013 A: Bob Kalaria, KBR, bhavdip.kalaria@kbr.com
Do you have a continuous steam purge even when torch oil nozzle is not in service? If that's the case, nozzles are less likely to plug unless steam quality declines.
04/06/2013 A: Alan Goelzer, Jacobs Consultancy, alan.goelzer@jacobs.com
As caution, there can be serious risk issues if substantial amounts of liquid water are injected into the dense fluid solids bed. Water may stay as liquid for long enough period to become "superheated" from interaction with the fluid solids and undergo violent evaporation events locally.
It is not clear from the question whether atomizing steam flow was maintained at some reduced rate when the oil flow to the torch oil nozzles was shut off and whether the atomizing steam is both "clean " in terms of just trace total dissolved solids and always superheated and how atomizing steam interacts with the torch oil in the nozzle.